An intense weather pattern is set to impact the Pacific Northwest this week, with elevations anticipating over a foot of additional rainfall following a recent deluge that has broken records across the region. Earlier this week, Olympia Regional Airport recorded 3.03 inches of rain on Monday, shattering the previous record of 2.5 inches.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has indicated that the Skagit River near Concrete, situated north of Seattle, is expected to crest at over 47 feet. This level exceeds the existing record by more than 5 inches and surpasses the major flooding threshold by a significant 15 inches. As a precaution, residents in low-lying areas of Skagit County have been advised to prepare for potential evacuations, with local officials collaborating with the American Red Cross to establish shelters for impacted families.
In Lewis County, the fire department has urged residents in flood-prone regions to evacuate while conditions allow. They emphasized the dangers of waiting until rivers reach their peak levels, which could jeopardize the safety of both residents and emergency responders.
Forecasts also point to the Snohomish River rising to 33.6 feet within the next two days, 12 feet above its usual level, which would surpass an earlier record. Additionally, the Grays River in Rosburg reached an unprecedented height of 33.3 feet on Monday.
Due to the ongoing flood emergency, Snohomish County declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, highlighting the severity as multiple rivers are expected to reach historical levels. “We’ve made it through the first part of this weather challenge, but the forecasts tell us we need to prepare for another, bigger surge of rain and high water later this week,” noted Lucia Schmit, director of Snohomish County Emergency Management.
Roads throughout the affected areas are submerged and impassable, prompting authorities to advise against driving through floodwaters, especially during nighttime when visibility is poor. The situation is a stark reminder of the power of atmospheric rivers, which are capable of transmitting vast amounts of moisture and delivering heavy rainfall, often exceeding 15 times the average flow at the Mississippi River’s mouth.
The community remains resilient as officials work tirelessly to manage the impacts of this weather system, providing support and resources to those affected while encouraging safety and preparedness in the face of natural challenges.